The toys are donated to the U.S. Marines “Toys for Tots” program for distribution to children from underprivileged families in the Pittsburgh area.

The Penguins and the Marines collected toys and cash at the Saturday, Nov. 22 game vs. Vancouver and the Saturday, Nov. 29 game vs. New Jersey at Mellon Arena. At the New Jersey game alone, fans donated 1,859 toys and more than $5,800 in cash to purchase toys.

“We want to again thank our fans for their support and remarkable generosity,” said James Santilli, the team’s vice president of marketing. “Our 16th annual toy drive was the biggest and best yet. In light of what is going on with the economy, and with so many more families in need, it is especially gratifying to see our fans respond in this way.”

Earlier, during the team’s annual food drive, Penguins fans donated more than two tons of food and more than $2,000 in cash. A portion of that cash donation went to purchase turkeys and holiday fixings that were distributed to underprivileged families in the Hill District before Thanksgiving.